Careful... progress

So last week we had such a scare. My hubby was almost thrown off his horse 4 times. We are not sure what happened or why the horse was spooked. We certanly need to remove some ifs or buts for next time. No riding in the dark and hand walk the horses to the arena.

We all where sooo very nervous today. My hubby for being thrown off, - his horse for spooking hubby again and - me for being responsible for hubby not wanting to continue riding.

We hand walked the horses up to the arena where we ride. This time we went out early to make sure we had daylight. Harder to be spooked in sunshine :)
I used a lot of the time on Mr standing in the middle instructing hubby and his horse Ginger. Ginger walked with tiny slow steps making sure hubby was comfortable. I was not sure how much instruction to give and decided to constantly give small cues to make sure my hubby was concentration on something other than his fear.
It all seemed to work as after a few bumpy trotting steps, hubby and Ginger was back in the game again.

Both horses seemed more relaxed, and well ridden this time. We asked if the owners of the horses would make sure the horses was well exercised and they sure was.

Mr was stunning as ever, doing his job in his own speedy tempo. I am more used to him now, and him with me. I hope we will have many hours of fun together.
Next time I will add some ground poles to direct the horses in straight lines. There is a lot of cutting corners and bad navigation at the moment. Force ourself to steer the horses in good paths and teaching my hubby good arena etiquette

Hubby and Ginger

Set it free...

If you love something set it free! 

If it flies away, it was never meant to be.  

If it comes back, it’s yours for ever. 

First time alone - Spooky horse

So for the first time in quite a while my hubby and I was to ride alone. No instructors, no owners...
We arrived at the stable and it took forever to find the correct tack, get their food made and cleaning out the stalls. By the time we where out of the doors with the horses it was very late indeed.

We headed up to the fenced area and again it was frozen. We tried to get the generator thingy that runs the light up and running, but we did not manage to get it going. We rode in the dark for about an hour working both on the horses and from the ground learning to know each others.

After about half an hour my hubbys horse went in the air almost throwing him off. He was off course scared but managed to do all the correct movements getting the horse to relax again. Well that was my husbands first canter ever... Not the way we planned it.
His horse kept suddenly going off in gallop, and in the end we counted 4 times where hubby totally lost control and of course his confidence.
This was NOT the introduction I was wanted. He have been riding for about two months in a steady pace learning in a good tempo, and then this came and ruined it all.
I felt so incredibly guilty and a poor mentor.
I really need to find ways to ensuring that this do not happen again.

My horse, sweet Mister did everything perfect this time. He was calm, collected and attentive. Never jumpy or scared. He even let me open a tricky gate from his back.
Very sad that Hubby had such a troubled day, but at the same time, happy that Mister was more of a treat this time around.

As you probably can tell from the images, Mister needs his stall cleaned. Maybe that will be my Christmas gift to him! ;)

So until next time...

Testing another horse

After calling the local stables checking if any of the horse owners needed help during their week, we have become quite popular. Not many grownups want this type of hobby/work and most girls wanting to ride are under 16.
We have gotten three places to check out where there are at least 2 horses that needs riding 1-2 times a week.
Last week I tried one horse in a nabouring village, this week I tried one in our village. My husband has just started riding and we are a package deal him and me. He wants to ride both learning at a local riding school, but would also like to ride once a week, if there is a calm horse available.

Luckily for us todays stable visit was just perfect. Two horses was needing a rider, and one of them is very calm and safe. I tried the older horse, him being 19 years old, however claiming he was only 6. :) Loads of engine, happy chap and the owner reminds me of me when I was loads younger.

The horse my hubby tested is about 10 I think. He is an Irish chap and loves to jump. He has apparently jumped 1.75m more than once. Very impressive indeed.
We rode in a fenced area and although it was frozen solid, we got a god impression of the horses.
And we where both happy.
I might admit that I would love more of a challenge riding and an indoor riding arena would be preferable, but right now, I am all for getting my hubby into this sport, so I will run with this!

The owners was happy and after a signing of some documents giving us responsibility if something went wrong, we were ready to start this adventure!

Horse: Mister and Ginger

Type: Dressage / Trying out
Conditions: Frozen solid

Testing a new horse

As mentioned before I am missing the regularity and bond with a horse I ride regularly. So after a lot of googling and searching I have found three horses in need of a rider once a week.
So now I have tried one of them!

He used to go dressage/showjumping on a Grand Prix level, so he is very spoiled when it comes to riders. He doesn't want them too slow, and not to heavy in the saddle and NOT to strong in the hands. Well, at least it felt like it riding him.
Very easy to do something to trigger him to just run away with me. But at the same time he really begs for work. He wants to go, and go fast.

After a few rounds I found that as with so many other horses. Great success comes with good work from the seat and posture. Sitting up proud and work with the seat to slow him down and collect him is sooo very effective indeed.

The owner is struggling with back issues and has been advised to use draw rains as a backup solution to the energy and him wanting to run off.
I am not a fan of these rains, but as a rider wanting to ride I am not going to be picky. If I manage to be hired to ride this horse, I will use the rains until I feel safe and then ride without them.

This is me riding him. The very active seat is due to me trying to slow him down by being behind and slower than him in the posting trot and canter.

A beautiful use of technology - horse jumping in slow motion

I do love a good image, and off course I good film. Mostly though I have to watch skiing movies or car chases. I haven't seen such a perfect subject for using excellent digital recording equipment as this one.

The veins on his body, her perfect posture and the proud end!
May they win it all!

One mind, one fence, one eye!

Finally some progress - riding more frequent does give results

At our favorite place to ride Blixland they have weekend courses and all day courses. This offers 1 riding lesson in the morning, theory and lunch, and then one riding lesson in the afternoon.
We had heard good things and was really exited about our "One day adult course"!

We got divided into groups by our riding ability (beginner, intermediate and expert) and I was put in the intermediate group. When I heard that the experts was supposed to go jumping in the afternoon, I was sorry not to being able to join them. Well, maybe next time!

I got a pony named Laika. She is so sweet... and tiny! She is not the most enthusiastic of horses, but she does go on the bit easily and knows her sideways movements.

In the first riding lesson I did not get a lot of tutoring, I was left to explore Laika on my own, and in a way, that was good too. It does sometimes take a while to find the good connection and communication.

For lunch we got an splendid autumnal soup. It might very well have been the best soup I've ever had. Sitting at a beautiful table, with great food and good company, all talking horses is my new favorite thing to do.
Having my husband there in the middle joining in just made it perfect!

The second lesson felt a bit better. The instructor gave really valuable input and I was able to connect far better with Laika and also concentrate on more then just keeping her moving forward.
I even got my first praise back in the saddle again so that felt really good!

I was told to give more on the inside rain and not stiffen up in the outside rain. Collect my hands together not out sideways which still is a bad habbit of mine. For the first time I was not nagged about not slouching, so I take that as an improvement.

The instructor also kept reminding us to ride from the inside leg to the outside rain. It might not make sense at first, but just try it! It does give results!

Stable: Blixland
Horse: Laika
Instructor: Kaia
Type: Dressage

Probably discussing mud, hay and stupid riders...

Such a disappointment

I was scheduled to go for a second hack while visiting UK.
In my beloved Surrey Hills. I have done loads of hiking in this area the last 10 years and have fallen in love with the white chalky paths in such lush green environment!

While hiking I have often seen riders out and about and thought... One day, I will go hacking here too!

Well, finally the opportunity was there.
I booked the hack months in advance and filled out a looooong form to set the expectations right for the owner.

I arrived and waited for an hour before we headed out. A bit chaotic and not very organized place. Unfortunately my flight home was on the very same day, and after my horse got lame after 10 minutes, I had to turn back and switch horses. By the time I got a new horse, the timing was all off, and I understood, that I had to once again turn back to be able to reach to Heathrow in time.

Ohhh such bad luck!
All I got to see was a hedgerow and a tarmac road... That was one expensive experience...
I still want to go hacking in the Surrey area and if you know of a stable that provide this, please write a comment below!!!!

And yes, I have excluded the name of this place, as I really don`t know if it was just this once everything was caos, or if this is somewhere you should avoid... I might try it again, but will then have set the whole day to just this...

Hacking in the Queens back yard

I had been dreaming about this hack for months, and finally the day was here!
To make things complicated, I was late for my appointment due to bad weather on the flight from Oslo to London. Picked up my Hertz* car from Heathrow and drove the 20 minute drive to Tally Ho stables.

A very kind woman saddled up my horse, put him on the trailer and drove me in to the Windsor Royal Park where the other rides was waiting patiently for me. So sad to mess up the timing for the other riders.

I had such a lovely time. My horse Prado was amazing. He wanted to go on the bit and do dressage, but we where there for a hack. Fun and fast action, not boring dressage...
Well he did splendidly!
The park was amazing. Lovely fields, cops and forests to explore. Lines upon lines of trees, statues, lakes, ponds, tight paths and wide alles.
Had an amazing time, and will be back for sure!

Stable: Tally Ho Stables
Horse: Prado
Instructor:
Type: Hack

*
I really stressed when renting my car and forget to check that Hertz UK have given me the insurance that I had payd for to Hertz NO. Had I known then how much hassle and money this would cost me, I would have skipped the whole hack. If you rent with Hertz, which I do not reccoment, please read and doblecheck everything!!!!!!

The Queen lives up there Prado told me!

Up the other way is the statue of George IV

Todays team!

Very handsom chap this!

Tally Ho has a really good horse tack shop. And they do Polo tack to!

A snowy hack

This was truly a great day to go on my first hack in over 20 years!
15 cm new fluffy snow was exactly what I needed. My mood has been down lately, and this hack really put a smile on my face!

Loved it!

As you probably know if you read this blog is that Milo is my favorite... Therefor I was quite disappointed not allowed to ride him out on a hack. Apparently he is easily spooked out of the school.

Well, Roma was splendid. She did her thing, and seamed to love it herself  ;)
We got some trotting and a tiny canter. The lovely girl (Alicia?) that took me out might not do this every day as she seemed nervous that I would fall off any second :D

Well none of us did, and it was lovely!


Stable: Stall Svartedal
Horse: Roma
Instructor:
Type: Hack

Snowy breeces

Into the forest and back again!

I had to go down and say hello to the handsome Milo! He responded with a tilted head asking for a snack :)

Growing fond of Milo

Milo loves to steal and play with stuff around the stables. here he wants to try on a helmet. 

And then it happened!
I rediscovered the most important element of riding.

The bond with a horse you have met a few times. I fall in love with people and animals very quickly. 

And Milo was an easy target. He and I know each other a little better now, and I really love riding him!

Today we mounted a GoPro camera on the wall of the school. and I must say this was most enlightening... Oh my god how awful it was to observe how bad my posture is!
I am still slouching, my arms are straight out, my hands turned palms down and my outer hand is to tight. 

I was horrified.
This is truly something I need to work on!!! 

I urge you to try filming yourself while riding if you do not do this already!

I need to get a more permanent horse situation than riding on lessons. Need the love element! ;)

Stable: Stall Svartedal
Horse: Milo
Instructor: Andreas
Type Dressage

4th times a charm...

I had a lesson back on Milo again. My hubby rode Roma who is 21 years... That is just amazing.
We said hallo to our new instructor Andreas and hopped in the saddle.

As the other instructors I have ridden for, Andreas also was picking on my posture. I am stillsitting to much forward in the walk and posting trot. I slouch to much, not riding proud.
He gave little instruction as he was tending to my husband as I had told him to.
Giving my husband confidence in his riding is my main goal for now!

Milo seemed a lot more hot today. He was so enthusiastic in his canter, that I had to fight to keep in contact. Having to more then once steer for the walls in the school to make him slow down. And that is NOT how I roll.

Stable: Stall Svartedal

Horse: Milo

Instructor: Andreas

Type: Dressage

My hubby riding Roma in the school!